According to a study on the impact of sex on stress, as measured by blood pressure levels in stressful situations, sexual intercourse may be one of the best ways to calm your nerves.
Keeping Track
Researchers asked nearly 50 men and women to maintain diaries for two weeks regarding how often they experienced full blown intercourse, masturbation, or sexual activity that excluded intercourse.
Afterward, patients were given tests measuring their stress levels involving public speaking and solving math problems aloud.
Effect Lasts a Week
Those who had intercourse enjoyed the most relief, as their blood pressure levels normalized faster than the other groups. And, that beneficial effect lasted for at least a week. People who had abstained from any kind of sex, however, had the highest blood pressure response to stress.
